How Much Do California Movers Cost?

Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in California is $122 per hour, with an average total move cost between $423 and $4,014. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.

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  • Unlimited storage
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  • 10% discount

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Average cost to hire an interstate mover in California

The cost of an interstate — also known as “out-of-state” — move from California is naturally more complex. Because of the added logistics, interstate relocations are calculated differently than a simpler move within the same city or from one California town to another.

Interstate move costs are determined based on the total volume and weight of your belongings, instead of hourly rates like with local moves. Moving out-of-state typically means longer drive times than in-state relocations, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices.

Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and fluctuations in seasonal demand can all drive up your overall interstate moving expenses.

Below are sample price ranges for some popular moving routes.

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of California

Now that you have an idea of what your move from California should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in California.

Best interstate moving companies in California

Affordability and pricing accuracy are two key factors we use to rate interstate movers. But it’s important to balance cost with customer satisfaction and service options, so that you’re getting the best moving package for your budget — and not just a budget-rate relocation.

Compare pricing and standout features for each of the companies on our list of top interstate movers in California:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your California move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Average cost to hire a local moving company in CA

The cost to hire a local California moving company for an in-state relocation depends primarily on home size and distance.

For moves of 50 miles or less in California, local movers will charge you an hourly rate determined by the truck and moving crew sizes needed.

In-state long-distance moves in California are priced like interstate moves — according to the total volume and weight of belongings, rather than by the hour. Like interstate moves, in-state — or “intrastate” — moves from one city to another are considered long-distance if they are more than 400 miles (although some movers set the minimum at over 100 miles).

Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional mover in California.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $423 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $595 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $972 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,268 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,604 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,014 $470 5 movers 10 hours
  • Studio: A studio apartment move typically requires two movers and can take up to three hours, depending on the amount and types of belongings, at an hourly rate of $171.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $171 per hour for four hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in California will cost about $240 an hour. You'll likely need three movers for five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay an hourly rate of $336 for California movers. A three-bedroom home typically takes eight hours to complete using a four-person crew.
  • Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in California will take four movers approximately nine hours, at a rate of $336 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring California movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $470 an hour. Homes this size usually require five movers and take about ten hours.

City moving costs in California

Best local moving companies in California

Staying in California and moving just a short distance? You’ll want to find a local moving company that provides services you need without breaking the bank.

Check out our picks for the best California movers to compare cost and services:

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
Review Analysis
Grace Moving Company has 450 online customer reviews, 85% of which are positive. Customers praise the company for its friendly and professional staff, efficient service, and careful handling of belongings. Many highlighted the good communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some reported issues with damage to items, delays, and unexpected charges. Despite these complaints, Grace Moving stands out as a reliable choice compared to others in the industry, thanks to its commitment to customer satisfaction and careful handling of belongings.
Get a Quote (209) 551-7772

Company Info

State license #: 0189642

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2806730


Grace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Cons
  • Higher-than-expected costs (35%)
  • Damage to items (30%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers has 477 customer reviews, with 80% being positive. Many customers praised the professionalism and efficiency of the moving crews, highlighting their friendly demeanor and careful handling of belongings. However, some customers reported issues with high pricing and inadequate communication regarding service details. Overall, the company is recognized for its strong work ethic and customer service, but some clients feel they may be paying more than necessary compared to other movers.
Get a Quote (559) 785-0316

Company Info

State license #: 0189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Movers, Inc., Princess Packers


Meathead Movers, a reputable moving company serving Fresno, CA since 1998, specializes in local residential moving services with a proven track record reflected by their stellar consumer reviews. With 243 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars and 204 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.4 stars, they have earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Meathead Movers also offers packing and unpacking services, accepting both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings make them a top choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Careful handling (29%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (26%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
Review Analysis
Grizzly Moving has 433 online customer reviews, 88% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of items. However, some customers reported issues with damages during the move and dissatisfaction with communication regarding pricing. Overall, Grizzly Moving stands out for its professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a strong choice compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (844) 474-9959

Company Info

State license #: 0191376

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2642040

Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC


Grizzly Moving, established in 2016, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, and an A-rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among other nearby moving companies. Grizzly Moving also provides various additional services including packing, unpacking, storage options, and the capability to move specialty items like pianos and hot tubs. Customers consistently praise their professionalism and efficiency, making them a top choice for local moves in the San Diego area.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Pros
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Professional and polite staff (34%)
  • Good communication (31%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
Review Analysis
VIP Transport, Inc. has 243 online customer reviews, with 84% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company for its efficient service, professional staff, and excellent communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlighted issues with damages to items and delays in delivery. While most customers found the pricing reasonable, a few felt it was higher compared to competitors. Overall, VIP Transport stands out for its customer service and reliability, making it a solid choice for moving needs.
Get a Quote (951) 272-3700

Company Info

State license #: 0137029

Years in Business: 41

DOT #: 125563

Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East, Inc, VIP Transport - United Van Lines, VIP Transport - Mayflower Transit, United Van Lines


VIP Transport, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moving services in and around Corona, CA since 1983. Renowned for its reliability, VIP Transport stands out among nearby moving companies with its stellar reputation, boasting an impressive Yelp rating of 4.6 from 150 reviews and a Google My Business rating of 4.5 from 73 reviews. Additionally, the company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. VIP Transport offers comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and special handling for pianos, art, and antiques. With no deposit required, flexible payment options, and full valuation insurance coverage, VIP Transport ensures a hassle-free moving experience.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Careful handling (32%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
  • Unexpected charges (12%)
Review Analysis
House to Home Moving has 373 customer reviews, with 85% of them being positive. Customers praise the company for its friendly and professional staff, careful handling of belongings, and efficient service. Many appreciate the transparent pricing and lack of hidden fees. However, some feedback highlights issues with communication and damage to items during the move. Overall, House to Home Moving stands out as a reliable choice in the moving industry, making the moving process easier for many customers.
Get a Quote (916) 484-1144

Company Info

State license #: 0190786

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2395707


House to Home Moving, based in Orangevale, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2011. Renowned for their reliability, they hold an impressive 4.4-star average rating on Yelp and an even higher 4.7 on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer specialized services such as packing, unpacking, and moving delicate items like pianos, antiques, and art. With storage options and full valuation insurance coverage, House to Home Moving stands out as a comprehensive and reputable choice for anyone planning a local move in the Orangevale area.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Average PODS Costs in CA

The average cost of PODS is anywhere from $220–$7,448, depending on the container size and move distance. For example, a local move in California using an eight-foot PODS container runs from $220 to $426, while the same move with a 16-foot container would be approximately $323–$813.

In general, you can expect to pay $220–$813 with PODS for a local move. Long-distance moves, which require longer transport times and mileage, are naturally pricier. Renting a PODS container for a long-distance move of 100–250 miles will typically cost between $250 and $2,107, and cross-country moves start at around $2,068 and can be as much as $7,448.

We like PODS for its widespread availability, multiple container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), and ongoing discounts but we know that everyone’s move is unique. While PODS is our overall pick, we always recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to get a clear comparison of pricing and services.

Best moving containers or PODS in California

Moving container companies combine the cost-savings of a DIY move with the convenience of full-service movers. You’ll cut moving costs by loading up all your items into your PODS or moving container yourself, but you’ll still have a professional driver handling the transport of your belongings to your new home within California or across state lines.

You’ll want to look for companies offering a variety of container sizes or types and quick and easy container delivery and pick-up scheduling. If you need long-term storage as part of your move, the top moving container companies provide facilities with 24/7 monitoring and climate-controlled options.

Here are our recommendations for top moving container companies in California.

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices

Average cost to rent a moving truck in CA

The average cost to rent a moving truck ranges from $57–$136 for a local move and $355–$5,700+ for long-distance moves.

Best moving truck rentals in California

Renting a truck from companies like U-Haul is your most affordable option — but it will also require you to do the most work. you’ll have to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place yourself or with the help of friends and family or third-party labor.

Check out our top picks for moving truck rentals in California:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in CA

The average cost of hiring a labor-only mover in California is $61 per hour for each moving crew member. Since even smaller moves like studio apartments typically require a minimum crew size of two people, you can expect to pay an hourly rate of approximately $122 for moving labor.

Best labor-only moving companies in California

Don’t want to deal with the heavy lifting? A labor-only company will handle that for you. Labor-only companies in California are kind of like professional movers without the truck.

They provide packing and loading support, as well as optional services like disassembly and reassembly of furniture, but you’ll still have to rent a moving truck and drive.

Take a look at these top-rated labor-only movers in California:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Factors that affect the cost of your California move

The following common factors will affect the cost of your California move:

  • The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor mean you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in California.
  • The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long-distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from California to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
  • The type of move: There are several ways to handle your California move. You take a more hands-off approach and hire a full-service moving company. While this is certainly the most convenient choice, you’ll also pay more for a full-service move than you would with DIY options like renting a moving truck. You can save a lot with a truck rental, but you’ll have to drive and do all the loading and unloading yourself (unless you want to hire labor-only movers). You may also want to consider getting a moving container, which saves some money but also provides professional drivers.
  • Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
  • Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your California move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
  • The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of California between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.

Consider car shipping costs for long-distance CA moves

Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in California:

Company Our take Rating Price
Sherpa Auto Transport
Best for accurate pricing
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Montway Auto Transport
Best cross-country shipper
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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AmeriFreight Car Transport
Best for discounts
starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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SGT Auto Transport
Best for overall value
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Easy Auto Ship
Best for quick pickup
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Tips to save money on your California move

Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your California move:

  • Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
  • Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
  • Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
  • Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
  • Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your California move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.

What is the cheapest way to move in California?

The cheapest way to move within California is by using a DIY option. For some people in California, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.

While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of California, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.

To help you decide, use our free moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.

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